What is the Best Java IDE for Beginners? What is the Best Free Java IDE? Which IDE is best for Java 2023? What Java IDEs do professional programmers use?
Looking for answers to these questions? Keep reading.
What are Integrated Development Environments or IDEs?
Integrated Development Environments or IDEs are among the most crucial pieces required to construct a software project. They make development easy and efficient.
IDEs increase the productivity of developers by shortening setup times, accelerating development tasks, keeping developers informed of the most recent dangers and best practices, and standardizing the development process so that anybody can participate.
IDEs can also assist in restructuring the development process. They enable programmers to view their operations as part of the full software development life cycle (SDLC) as opposed to a collection of discrete tasks.
One of the key benefits of an IDE is to carry out all coding work in one program. An IDE act as a central interface with all the tools a developer needs, such as:
Code editor: These editors are not text editors. They are designed for writing and editing source code. This feature makes it easier for developers to write and edit the code and saves considerable time.
Integrated debugger: Developers can use these integrated debugging tools to test and debug the code of their applications.
Compiler: The main task of the compiler is to convert the human-readable/writable source code to a form that computers can understand and execute.
Build automatic tools: These tools save a lot of time for the developers as they can be used to automate basic development tasks.
What types of IDEs are available?
Types of Java IDEs
There are several types of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) available, including
General-purpose IDEs: These IDEs are designed to support a wide range of programming languages and are typically used by developers working on a variety of projects. Examples of general-purpose IDEs include Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and Visual Studio.
Language-specific IDEs: These IDEs are designed to support a specific programming language and often include a set of tools and features that are tailored to that language. Examples of language-specific IDEs include PyCharm for Python, RubyMine for Ruby, and Xcode for Swift and Objective-C.
Web-based IDEs: These IDEs are accessed through a web browser and can be used from any device with an internet connection. Examples of web-based IDEs include Cloud9, Codeanywhere, and Replit.
Mobile IDEs: These IDEs are designed specifically for mobile app development and often include a set of tools and features that are tailored to the mobile platform. Examples of mobile IDEs include Android Studio and Xcode.
Embedded IDEs: These IDEs are designed to support embedded systems programming. They often include a set of tools and features that are tailored to the specific needs of embedded systems development. Examples of embedded IDEs include Atmel Studio and IAR Embedded Workbench.
Scripting IDEs: These IDEs are designed to support scripting languages and often include a set of tools and features that are tailored to the specific needs of scripting development. Examples of scripting IDEs include PowerShell ISE and Python IDLE.
Each type of IDE has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of IDE will depend on the specific needs of the developer or the development team.
What are the benefits of using Java IDE?
There are several benefits to using a Java Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Java development, including
Code completion and error detection: IDEs provide intelligent code completion and error detection capabilities that can save a lot of time and improve code quality. This feature helps developers write clean code.
Debugging: IDEs provide a wide range of debugging tools, such as breakpoints, watchpoints, and step-through debugging, that can help developers quickly identify and fix errors in their code.
Refactoring: IDEs provide tools to help developers refactor their code, such as renaming variables and methods, moving classes and methods, and extracting methods. This can make it easier to maintain and improve the quality of code over time.
Version control integration: Many IDEs integrate with popular version control systems such as Git, SVN, and Mercurial, making it easy for developers to manage and collaborate on code.
Build and deployment: IDEs typically provide built-in support for building and deploying Java applications, which can save a lot of time and effort compared to manually building and deploying applications.
Framework support: IDEs provide support for a wide range of Java frameworks and technologies such as Spring, Hibernate, and Maven, which can make it easier for developers to build applications using these frameworks.
Plugins and add-ons: IDEs have a wide range of plugins and add-ons available, which can be used to extend the functionality of the IDE and improve the productivity of the developer.
Community and support: Many IDEs have large communities of developers that contribute to their development and provide support to other developers. This can make it easier for developers to find help and resources when they need it.
Using a Java IDE can help developers to improve productivity, write better quality code, and make it easier to maintain and improve their code over time. Developers can create software applications, drivers, and utilities using the right IDEs, as IDEs allow efficient language syntax. However, choosing the right IDE is difficult because there are so many to choose from. So, here is the list of the top seven JAVA IDEs.
Ten Best Java IDEs in 2023
Best Java IDEs
IntelliJ IDEA
With more than 33 percent of the market share, IntelliJ IDEA is the most used Java IDE in 2022. It also has a stellar user rating of 4.3 and a whopping 89 percent user satisfaction. IntelliJ IDEA has unique resources like a version control system, frameworks, and multi-language support.
Key features of IntelliJ IDEA:
IntelliJ IDEA contains a clever code completion tool that makes code completion easy.
IntelliJ IDEA offers advanced debugging tools that make coding more effective.
The integration with application servers is very strong.
In its commercial edition, IntelliJ IDEA also provides some incredible tools, such as Perforce integration, duplicate detection, database tools, and more.
Eclipse
Eclipse is a well-liked Java IDE that accounts for about 48 percent of the market share. It is a remarkable IDE with a 4.8 user rating and 92 percent user satisfaction. Eclipse has a solid plugin system that enables developers to create unique features. Eclipse supports Apache Groovy, JavaScript, C++, Python, and many other programming languages.
Key features of Eclipse:
Eclipse is cross-platform and works with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
The features offered by Eclipse include editing, browsing, debugging, and refactoring.
Eclipse provides a wide range of debugging tools that let you debug locally and remotely.
NetBeans
NetBeans is an integrated development environment for Java. It is a fantastic IDE with 82 percent user satisfaction. NetBeans functions on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris. From product concept to deployment, this IDE has built-in tools that add value throughout the software development lifecycle.
Key features of NetBeans:
NetBeans finds problems and offers you features for intelligent code compilation.
You can directly create, debug, deploy, and test applications from NetBeans.
This IDE has pretty straightforward management features.
You can write similar code at the same time thanks to its fantastic code comparison tools.
BlueJ
This IDE was founded in 1999 by John Rosenberg and Michael Kolling and is one of the best free java IDEs for web development in 2023. According to one of the most recent polls, BlueJ has an exceptional user satisfaction rating of 80 percent. Fun fact: BlueJ was initially created for instructional and training purposes.
Key features of BlueJ:
BlueJ offers strong debugging capabilities.
BlueJ is straightforward, convenient, and easy to work on.
BlueJ supports Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
BlueJ has various cutting-edge features, like an object bench, a code pad, and scope coloring.
JDeveloper
Oracle Corporation built and manages JDeveloper, which is a free integrated development environment. This incredible IDE has an 80 percent user satisfaction rate and a user rating of 4 out of 5. JDeveloper provides many unique capabilities for XML, Java, SQL, PL/SQL, JavaScript, HTML, BPEL, and PHP development.
Key features of JDeveloper:
JDeveloper offers robust debugging features that let users easily examine audit rules and immediately fix problems.
JDeveloper is compatible with operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Xinox Software created Java IDE JCreator just a few years ago. However, even in a short span, it has gained a lot of popularity among front-end developers. JCreator’s user interface resembles Microsoft Visual Studio quite a bit. Since it is written in C++, JCreator is more effective and swifter than other Java IDEs. Key features of JCreator:
Pro Edition (Pro), Lite Edition (LE), and Lite-Pro Edition are the three available versions of JCreator.
JCreator offers advanced functions including code completion, project management for debugging, a separate debugger, syntax highlighting, and more.
JCreator has a smaller size and faster speed than other IDEs, so it is ideal for all kinds of developers.
DrJava
The JavaPLT group at Rice University created, developed, and maintains DrJava. DrJava features a built-in debugger and has Junit testing capabilities. Also, it provides commenting, automated completion, automatic indentation, and seamless integration with Eclipse via the plugin.
Key features of DrJava:
DrJava is extremely lightweight, which results in quicker execution of codes.
Because of its incredible interactivity feature, which enables each class to be used independently, troubleshooting is immaculate.
JGrasp
JGrasp is a simple Java IDE that’s excellent for learning and teaching. It offers syntax highlighting, code navigation, and UML visualization capabilities and has a user-friendly interface.
JGrasp has favorable evaluations despite being a relatively new player on the market. With numerous customers complimenting its simplicity and usability, it has a high user satisfaction rating.
Key characteristics of JGrasp:
JGrasp provides a special visual debugger that makes debugging simple and understandable.
A built-in compiler provided by JGrasp also makes creating and running Java programs simple.
The JGrasp UML visualization tool makes it simple for users to see the organization of their code.
JGrasp is adaptable since it supports various languages, including Java and C++.
CodeMix
A well-liked Eclipse plugin called CodeMix offers extra functionality for developing websites and mobile apps. It comes with a user-friendly UI and capabilities like code completion, debugging, and integration with well-known web frameworks like React and Angular.
CodeMix has a high user satisfaction percentage, and many users commend it for its easy integration with Eclipse and its extensive feature set.
Key features of CodeMix:
Key characteristics of CodeMix: CodeMix provides a robust code completion tool that supports numerous programming languages and frameworks, facilitating speedy and accurate code writing.
With the help of CodeMix’s sophisticated debugging tools, developers may quickly find and resolve bugs in their code.
Building cutting-edge web and mobile applications is simple with CodeMix because of its integration with well-known web frameworks like React and Angular.
CodeMix is a complete solution for developing websites and mobile apps thanks to a number of additional helpful features including a file explorer, terminal, and Git integration.
Sublime
Popular code editor Sublime is well-known for its quickness, ease of use, and robust capabilities. It has an intuitive user interface and includes tools like syntax highlighting auto-completion, and multiple cursors.
With a high user satisfaction rate, many users praise Sublime Text for its quick and responsive performance and wide range of customization options.
Key features of Sublime Text:
A robust search and replace tool that makes it simple to locate and alter text in numerous files.
Users of Sublime Text can edit numerous lines of code at once thanks to the multiple cursors feature, which makes it simple to finish routine jobs rapidly.
Users may fully personalize Sublime Text to suit their requirements and preferences thanks to the editor’s many customization features.
The kind of projects or apps being produced, the method the development team uses, the level and talents of individual programmers, and the role in the organization are all important considerations when choosing an IDE or editor.
However, IDEs play only a part in the development. The developer carries the weight to deliver the best results.
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FAQs
What is the best Java IDE for beginners? Here is a list of the top three IDEs for beginners:
Eclipse
IntelliJ Idea
BlueJ
What is the best free Java IDE? Here is a list of the best free Java IDEs:
Eclipse
NetBeans
BlueJ
JDevelopers
IntelliJ Idea
What are 3 examples of IDE for Java? Here are three IDEs for Java as examples:
IntelliJ IDEA: This popular Java IDE offers functions like intelligent code completion and potent refactoring.
Eclipse: Popular features like code restructuring and interaction with well-liked web frameworks are available in Eclipse, which is extensively utilized.
Netbeans: An open-source Java IDE that provides code creation and version control integration.
Which Java IDE is faster? It can be difficult to compare IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse head-to-head to determine which Java IDE is quicker because each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance. Due to its optimized code and memory usage, IntelliJ IDEA is generally thought to be faster and more responsive than Eclipse. Developers may work more quickly and precisely because of IntelliJ IDEA’s robust code completion and refactoring tools, which are also well-known for being swift and efficient.
Which is the lightest IDE for Java? It’s frequently said that NetBeans, a free open-source IDE for Java programming, is the lightest one on the market. NetBeans, a Java development tool built on the JavaFX platform, offers several features like code highlighting, code completion, and code generation. What sets NetBeans apart from other popular Java IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA and Eclipse is its lightweight design, which uses fewer system resources. Because of this, NetBeans is a fantastic option for developers who are working on smaller projects or have limited computer resources.
What is the simplest IDE for Java? BlueJ is the most basic IDE for Java development and is made to be simple to use, making it perfect for new Java developers. BlueJ offers an interactive object inspector and a basic code editor with a clear and uncomplicated user interface for creating, testing and debugging Java programs. Its open-source status and lightweight architecture make it a wonderful option for beginners who might find more complex IDEs intimidating.
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Ankit is a writer and editor who has contributed his expertise to Govt of India, Reebok, Abbott, TimesPro, Chitale Bandhu, InsideAIML, Kolte Patil Dev., etc.
Ritvik is a copywriter and content writer who has worked with fast-scaling startups such as GoMechanic and Pitstop. He runs his own automotive blog as well.
